Dental implants gone wrong

November 11, 2015

Are you considering dental implant treatment and want to know what can go wrong?

The dental implant failure rate is very low. Statistically speaking, only 4.8% of implants fail within a 15-year window of placement. The study which came to this conclusion said that the “variables statistically associated with implant failure were smoking status and existence of complications.”

As the technology has progressed, the rate of integration has improved. Integration is when the dental implant fuses with your jawbone. Today’s dental implants are made from biocompatible titanium so your body is far less likely to reject the foreign material. The discovery of titanium as a biocompatible material was stumbled upon in the ‘50s, and after extensive testing it was found that titanium—in most cases—does not have an ill effect on the human body.

If the dental implant is made from biocompatible material, what can go wrong?

Like any surgical procedure there are risks, and your dentist will explain all of these risks to you in person. Here are six of things which can go wrong with dental implants:

Non-union: this is rare but on occasion, implants might not integrate with bone.

Infection or inflammation after placement.

Fractures: although with newer implant systems this is daily becoming rarer.

Gradual bone loss –as above, this has become rarer.

Bone loss due to poor positioning: again, this is rare. With today’s technology you should not be given a dental implant without sufficient jawbone density.

Nerve damage—if the implant is placed too close to the lower jaw nerve.

Not every complication can be prevented by your dentist

The above six complications are a result of the dentist not ensuring there’s sufficient jawbone material and making sure they place the implant properly. When the dental implant procedure has been successful however, it is up to the patient to ensure they look after their oral health.

While it is true that dental implants are not susceptible to decay they are susceptible to a form of gum disease known as peri-implantitis. This is in fact the biggest cause of dental implant failure.

Modern technology has enabled dentists and dental specialists to ensure patients have adequate jawbone density, and there are a variety of implants to suit a variety of needs reducing the chance of your body rejecting the dental implant.

But gum disease and smoking are two of the biggest contributors to implant failure. When dental implants go wrong it can often be attributed to poor oral hygiene. Gum disease may seem innocuous but it is the leading cause of adult tooth loss and it can do to implants what it does to teeth.

This is why it’s important to visit your dentist for regular check-ups after any form of dental restorative treatment. Not only can your dentist check the health of your teeth and gums, they can also check the health of your dental implants, dental crowns, bridges and so on.

Why you should visit Brisbane Dental Implant Group

Brisbane Dental Implant Group is your one-stop-shop for your dental implant needs, we have trained specialists who can ensure you receive the treatment which best suits your needs.

We take x-rays of your teeth and jaws to assess the best way to treat you. If you do not have adequate jawbone density we can perform a bone graft so there is adequate jawbone material to place the implant.

With a prosthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon you can rest assured that we will do everything to ensure you receive the quality care you deserve.

If you would like to know more about how Brisbane Dental Implant Group can help you, or to book an appointment, contact us today.